Royal Berkshire wards part closed by norovirus

The Royal Berkshire Hospital increased partial closures to four wards last night in a bid to contain norovirus

The Royal Berkshire Hospital increased partial closures to four wards last night in a bid to contain norovirus.

Partial closures mean that if someone is known to have the vomiting bug in a ward bay then that area is closed to new admissions for 72 hours.

This is a temporary measure and the number is constantly changing.

In order to prevent the bug spreading the hospital is also providing visitors to the four wards with a basin to wash their hands with water and soap instead of the usual sanitising gel.

Norovirus is now widespread in the community and the hospital is working hard to protect their patients.

Last week the RBH introduced visiting restrictions, asking people to only make essential visits.

Public Relations Manager, Joe Wise said: "If you are planning to visit someone in our hospital, our message is please ask yourself, is my visit really essential? And if you do need to visit, perhaps you could keep visitor numbers down by agreeing that only one family member should visit the patient."